As the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth marks 125 days since its launch, it has secured more than $125 million in philanthropic support for research, education, and international engagement.
“The Institute’s recognition that the world needs to balance climate and growth goals is resonating,” says Institute Director Michael Greenstone. “The generous support of these founding donors demonstrates deep interest in developing new ideas, solutions, and a generation of future leaders. It is affirming that these visionary philanthropists come from a wide range of perspectives and are motivated by different Institute activities. They are helping us turn ideas into a powerful foundation for the Institute.”
Several University trustees and donors have provided support that is laying the foundation for the Institute. The initial foundational gift was provided by University Trustee Donald R. Wilson Jr. whose support was instrumental in seeding further expansion and represents a natural extension of his longstanding and visionary commitment to energy and climate scholarship at the University of Chicago. Wilson’s gift is funding six new professorships in climate economics and policy to be known as the Donald R. Wilson Jr. Professors. These Professors will be among the first members of the Wallman Society of Fellows thanks to the fundraising challenge launched by Trustee Richard Wallman and Amy Wallman, whose support is providing matching funds for four of the six professorships.
Another key source of early support was provided by David and Victoria Foley, Co-Chairs of the College Parents Council. They have established two endowed professorships within the Institute, one focused on climate and energy policy or economics and the second supporting scholarship in climate systems engineering. Their gift will also provide funding for faculty research, instructional activities, and an annual Foley Speaker Series to enhance the dialogue around climate solutions. David Foley will also serve as the Chair of the Institute’s Advisory Group.
Additional support will help advance the Institute’s educational programs. Through a gift from Trustee Michael Polsky and Tanya Polsky, the University is launching the Polsky Energy Transition Leadership Academy, which supports key components of the Chicago Curriculum on Climate and Sustainable Growth and will allow students to receive experiential learning and leadership development opportunities.
Finally, the Institute has received significant support to the Climate Systems Engineering initiative—which explores approaches that may be needed to manage the effects of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere—and the Climate Impact Lab—which looks to dramatically accelerate society’s ability to prepare for and adapt to climate change, with a focus on the world’s most vulnerable regions.
More details about these gifts will be shared in the coming weeks.